Ready to Fish Like a Pro? Book Your Lake Ontario Trip!
Lake Ontario's got some of the best fishing in the Great Lakes, and with My Way Charters, you're looking at a full day chasing after some seriously impressive fish. We're talking Walleye, multiple salmon species, and trout that'll test your drag system. Our captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and can put you on fish whether you've been casting lines for decades or just picked up your first rod. With space for up to four anglers, this is your chance to get out there and see what all the fuss is about when it comes to Lake Ontario fishing.
What to Expect on the Water
You'll be spending the day working the deeper waters where the big fish like to hang out. Lake Ontario's structure and thermoclines create perfect holding spots for our target species, and we'll be moving around to find where they're biting that day. The captain comes equipped with all the gear you'll need, plus he'll walk you through proper techniques if you're new to Great Lakes fishing. Don't worry about bringing tackle – we've got everything from downriggers to planer boards ready to go. The only thing you absolutely need to handle beforehand is your New York fishing license. You can grab one online or at most bait shops, but don't show up without it because the DEC doesn't mess around with enforcement on these waters.
Techniques & Gear Setup
Lake Ontario fishing is all about getting your bait down to where the fish are holding, which usually means working depths between 40 and 120 feet depending on the season and species we're targeting. We'll be running downriggers most of the day – these let us get our lines down deep while maintaining precise depth control. You'll also see us deploy planer boards to spread our lines out and cover more water. The boat's equipped with quality fish finders so we can mark schools and structure as we move. Most of our presentations involve trolling with spoons, flasher-fly combos, or plugs that mimic the baitfish these predators are feeding on. The captain will handle the technical stuff like speed control and line placement, but you'll get hands-on experience with the fighting and landing once we hook up.
Top Catches This Season
Walleye are the bread and butter of Lake Ontario, and for good reason – they're abundant, fight well, and taste fantastic on the dinner table. These golden beauties typically run between 3-8 pounds, with the occasional trophy pushing into double digits. Spring and fall are prime time for Walleye, when they move into shallower water and become more aggressive. They're structure-oriented fish, so we'll be working drop-offs, humps, and rocky areas where they like to ambush baitfish. What makes Walleye special is their consistency – even when other species are being finicky, you can usually count on putting a few 'eyes in the cooler.
Coho Salmon bring serious fight to the table, typically ranging from 8-15 pounds of pure silver muscle. These fish are absolute rockets when hooked, known for their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs. Peak Coho action happens during their spring and fall migrations, when they're feeding heavily before spawning. They're often found in the top 60 feet of water, chasing schools of alewives and smelt. Landing a fresh Coho is like wrestling with a chrome torpedo – they'll test your reflexes and give you an adrenaline rush that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Steelhead Trout are the Great Lakes' version of ocean-run rainbow trout, and they're legendary for their fighting ability. These fish can range from 5-20 pounds and are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Steelhead are most active during cooler months, often holding in deeper water during summer heat. They're incredibly strong fish with serious stamina – a good Steelhead will take you into your backing and make multiple long runs before you get it to the boat. The chrome-bright fish fresh from deep water are absolute gems, both for the fight and the table.
Chinook Salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario, with mature fish regularly hitting 20-30 pounds or more. These are the fish that break rods and burn out reels if you're not prepared. King salmon prefer deeper, colder water and are often found near the thermocline where temperatures drop significantly. They're most active during spring and fall, though dedicated anglers can find them year-round in the right spots. When you hook a big King, be ready for a battle that can last 20 minutes or more – they're powerful, stubborn fish that don't give up easily. Landing a trophy Chinook is a legitimate achievement that'll have you grinning for weeks.
Lake Trout are the natives here, and they're perfectly adapted to Ontario's deep, cold water. These fish can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes, with 10-20 pounders being fairly common and true monsters pushing 30+ pounds still swimming in the depths. Lakers are typically found in the deepest water, often 80-150 feet down where temperatures stay consistently cold. They're not as flashy as salmon when hooked, but they're incredibly strong and stubborn, using their weight and the deep water to their advantage. Lake Trout have a prehistoric look to them and represent the original gamefish of these waters – there's something special about connecting with a fish whose ancestors have been here for thousands of years.
Time to Book Your Spot
Lake Ontario fishing with My Way Charters gives you access to some of the most productive fishing waters in North America. Our experienced captain, quality equipment, and prime fishing locations create the perfect setup for a memorable day on the water. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with eating fish or chase after a personal best, these waters deliver consistently throughout the season. The combination of multiple species, excellent fishing techniques, and professional guidance makes this a top-rated choice for both local ang